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BJP against pension for Emergency detenus

Deoras rejected dole idea even in 1977 No soft line towards Mulayam: Javadekar

NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party is against the proposal of pension for those arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act during the 1975 Emergency, although a large number of Sangh Parivar activists will benefit by the announcement made by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav on Monday.

BJP spokesman Prakash Javadekar said here on Tuesday that when the Janata Party came to power in 1977, the then Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Balasaheb Deoras rejected the idea of dole to the Emergency detenus. "The matter was discussed then, it was rejected." The Sangh felt that it was the "duty" of people to oppose the Emergency and fight for democracy and no reward should be expected.

While the honouring and recognition of the detenus as `loktantrik senanis' (fighters for democracy) was welcome, the BJP was against the idea of a monthly pension of Rs. 500.

Mr. Javadekar rejected a suggestion that the BJP had of late adopted a soft approach to Mr. Yadav, possibly with an eye on electoral understanding in the 2007 Assembly elections. His "misgovernance" was now beyond the limits of tolerance. "We will fight against the Samajwadi Party rule."